A vibrant area with varied geography with many opportunities for outdoor fun, there are several high quality accredited business degree programs in Arkansas from which to choose. This central-southern American state is responsible for over a billion dollars worth of mining each year and is the site of significant mining of oil, natural gas, and bromine. One of the only diamond mines in the entire world open to the public is in Arkansas and is in Murfreesboro. Arkansas is a very agricultural state, but people know their business and take to colleges to learn it.
Arkansas State University
College of Business
Known locally as “A-State,” Arkansas State University is the second largest university in the state with around 13,500 students in attendance. The campus covers 1,376 acres in Jonesboro and recently celebrated 100 years of operation in 2009. The school is the main campus for the Arkansas State University system and has been granting degrees to students from all over the United States for several decades. The school began its life as the First District Agricultural School and expanded upon its educational offerings after just a few years of existence. It wouldn’t be known as Arkansas State University until 1967.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Students who wish to confront the challenges of today’s businesspeople in the recovering economy will find one of the best business schools in Arkansas State University with a BSBA. The degree offers students a diverse program that covers many facets of business and economics. Students who want to manage a business of their own in the future or engage in an entrepreneurial project may want to consider this major. The program teaches students to think creatively and become adept problem solvers in the business world.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Arkansas State offers an MBA program option for students who choose to attend classes at the campus as well as online. Students who wish to work in business at the management level will find the MBA program is the perfect way to learn about advanced concepts in business today. Many organizations seek out students who have an MBA and getting a job after receipt of the diploma is very easy in today’s growing economy. Courses are offered at a variety of times for the on-campus degree, which means that students of any schedule needs may be able to get their diploma.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
College of Business
P.O. Box 970
State University, AR 72404
Phone: 870.972.3035
Fax: 870.972.3744
jwasham@astate.edu
http://www.astate.edu/business/
Arkansas Tech University
College of Business
Established early in the 20th century, Arkansas Tech University is located n Russellville and offers baccalaureate and graduate education to over 11,000 students each year. There’s also a satellite campus in Ozark, which is focused upon 2-year degrees for associate’s diplomas and certificates. The school was initially known as the Second District Agricultural School and was created by an act of the Arkansas General Assembly. In later years, the college would be known as Arkansas Polytechnic College and would get its modern name by the 1970s. Enrollment in recent years at the college has increased substantially as the popularity of higher education has grown.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Business majors are in terrific demand by schools today and it’s easy to see why the degree at Arkansas Tech University is a valuable one. The school offers accredited business degree programs in Arkansas in several areas including Accounting, Business Data Analytics, Economics & Finance, and Management & Marketing. Some of the jobs available to graduates of the ATU degree program include banking, accounting, law, marketing, financial services, and business analytics. Students in the business program boast high pass rates for standardized tests required for professional work, like the CPA exam that students who specialize in accounting will need to take upon graduation. Many of the faculty offering classes at ATU have worked in the industry for several years and are experts in their fields.
Master of Science Business Administration
Students who did not major in business as an undergraduate would fare well in Arkansas Tech University’s MSBA program as it was designed for students with alternative diplomas. Students who would like to enter the business world but who are not interested in getting a full MBA would find much value in the program. Applicants must showcase a suitable GPA before admittance into the program is granted; however, students who have low grades are eligible for admittance on a provisional basis. In addition, students who enroll on a conditional basis can take no more than 12 semester hours. This program is interesting for students who don’t have a business background since it includes a significant amount of information that would have been gained through undergraduate study.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
College of Business Department
1605 N. Coliseum Dr
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone: 479.968.0233
abell@atu.edu
http://www.atu.edu/business/
Henderson State University
School of Business
Henderson State University began its life in 1890 as a school called the Arkadelphia Methodist College. Today the university has just under 4,000 students and is a public liberal arts university located in Arkadelphia. The programs at the university are based upon the belief that students need a broad curriculum of supporting classes for their specific major. The small college has a radio station and is also the site of a public-access television station. When the college was renamed, it was named after a prominent resident of Arkadelphia named Christopher Henderson.
Management (B.B.A.)
The program in Business Management at Henderson focuses upon making sure that students are able communicators and gain leadership skills while enrolled at the college. The learning environment is designed to be exceptionally “hands-on” and is updated regularly to include important topics on business and technology. The program is designed to enhance career mobility and help students advance into positions at work that are beyond entry level and provide more responsibility than might be required if someone was just out of high school. Industries where students may excel after graduation include real estate, restaurant management, manufacturing, and banking, in addition to several other growing, healthy areas of the economy. Graduates of the program are highly desired candidates for jobs by companies in need of learned business graduates.
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Students have access to expert professors who have professional experience or who are equipped with doctoral degrees and can impart a significant amount of wisdom to students. Classes are designed to maintain a low student to teacher ratio so that students are able to get a significant amount of instruction from teachers. In addition, the arrangement of courses for the program is such that students are able to take courses on a part-time or full-time basis and complete their degree on their own schedule. A student can be done in as little as two years or may take longer with fewer classes taken while working full time. The program focuses upon providing students with many options so that more people are eligible for obtaining a degree in business. Professionals with an MBA are highly sought-after by employers today and the degree is considered one of the most valuable in higher education.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
School of Business
Henderson State University
1100 Henderson Street
HSU Box 7801
Arkadelphia, AR 71999
Phone: 870.230.5377
Fax: 870.230.5286
business@hsu.edu
https://www.hsu.edu/academics/business/
Ouachita Baptist University
Frank D. Hickingbotham School of Business
Located 65 miles southwest of Little Rock, Ouachita Baptist University is a private school and provides a variety of undergraduate degrees to students. The school was established in 1886 and is affiliated with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. The university has just over 1,500 students studying 64 different degree programs. The school is accredited by a variety of accrediting bodies for higher education. The school sits on an 85-acre campus with eight main buildings composing the learning environment for students. Most students who attend school at Ouachita reside in on-campus dorms or one of five off-campus complexes. Young students aren’t allowed to live off-campus unless they live with their parents.
Bachelor of Business Administration
Since the school is affiliated with Christianity, the focus of the business program at Ouachita involves offering students classes in a Christian-focused environment. The school believes that proper instruction of all students leads to success after graduation and helps to advise students during their college careers. The business school was established in 1993 and a dedicated building for the school was built in 2006. Students have access to a state-of-the-art building in which to learn as well as easy access to faculty, an auditorium, and a computer lab. The school’s mission statement suggests that one of its biggest focuses is creating a “love of learning” in students by providing opportunities for growth through education. The school hopes that its students will work hard to participate in extra-curricular activities that will enhance the experiences students have in the classroom.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Hickingbotham School of Business
OBU Box 3760
410 Ouachita Street.
Arkadelphia, AR 71998
Phone: 870.245.5250
mckinnyb@obu.edu
http://www.obu.edu/business/
Southern Arkansas University
College of Business
Located in southern Arkansas in a town named Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University was established in 1909 and has undergone a few name changes in its century-long tenure. The college strives to maintain low student to teacher ratios and to encourage a friendly, family atmosphere at the college so as to foster enthusiastic students and a fun learning environment. The university offers several programs that aren’t offered by any other colleges in Arkansas or which are rare in the state. For example, students can major in Game and Animation Design or choose a special engineering program that is unique to the area. There are almost 2,800 students attending SAU.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration
Students who enroll in the BBA program at Southern Arkansas University are offered the opportunity to get a degree even if they don’t have the time to get to the campus or don’t live close enough to commute to classes. The school says that the best type of applicants are students who already have an associate’s degree in business or who have already completed a few years of college and would like to enroll in a program that makes commuting a non-issue. Parents and working individuals are perfect for SAU’s undergraduate business degree. Students need to have taken a variety of prerequisites before entering the program such as College Algebra, Quantitative Analysis I, and Principles of Accounting I before admittance is granted. Once accepted into the program, students must complete 27 hours of business courses, 24 hours of management courses, and a variety of electives.
Associate of Science in Business Administration
Students who wish to gain an edge when entering the job market and wish to work in business may find value in the Associate of Science degree in business. The economy is on a pattern of growth and understanding how modern business works may help students gain traction during the job search. The associate’s program features core, essential concepts from the business world and is perfect for students who don’t have the time to commit to a 4-year degree. Students may also choose to go onto further study for a bachelor’s degree at the conclusion of study for the associate’s degree and the school makes it easy for students to transition into 4-year study after completing the associate’s degree requirements. Students are also prepared to enter bachelor’s degree programs at any number of schools that accept transfer credits.
Master of Business Administration
Students must complete 30 credit hours to complete the MBA program at Southern Arkansas University and will be able to demonstrate significant skills and knowledge in business upon graduation. Students will take courses in a variety of disciplines including economics, finance, accounting, quantitative analysis, and strategic management. Students must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in order to be admitted to the MBA program, but a student need not have a degree in business. Some prerequisites might be required of students who haven’t had any business courses before and may include accounting classes, business finance courses, or micro-economics. In the program, students will experience a variety of different topics which routinely come up in business such as global, political, and social ethics as well as different regulations and issues. The program requires at least 24 hours of core courses for the MBA and six credit hours of electives.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Southern Arkansas University
100 E. University
Magnolia, AR 71753
Phone: 870.235.4300
lctoms@saumag.edu
http://web.saumag.edu/business/
University of Arkansas
Sam M. Walton College of Business
The University of Arkansas is the main college of the University of Arkansas system and is located in Fayetteville. The school is considered a research university and the Carnegie Foundation classified the university as a site with significant research activity. Established in 1871 as Arkansas Industrial University, the college would change its name in 1899 to its present moniker. The school recently raised a significant amount of funding for efforts on expansion and other improvements under a program called the “Campaign for the 21st century.” The Walton Family, of Wal-Mart fame, gives heavily to the university and the business school is even named after the man who started that company, Sam Walton.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Students are able to concentrate in one of three areas when they enroll in the BSBA program including Human Resource Management, Organizational Leadership, or Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Students are exposed to a broad curriculum when they major in business at the University of Arkansas and the college allows students to learn a small amount of just about everything that the world of business has to offer. Students can learn more about a specific facet of business by taking electives which allow for more concentration. Some of the classes taken in this degree program include Ethics and Corporate Responsibility, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship.
MBA
The University of Arkansas boasts a tremendous result for MBA holders who find work immediately upon graduation and counts a higher percentage of successful job hunters than other lauded business schools like MIT, Duke University, and Emory. The MBA given by the schools’ Walton College Graduate School of Business is designed to offer students an interesting look into the business world from the perspective of several corporate partners. The MBA takes three semesters and requires completion of 48 hours of coursework. The program reinforces core business concepts in economics, accounting, and finance, in addition to other important facets, to provide students a well-rounded degree.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
Sam M. Walton College of Business
Business Building 301
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: 479.575.5949
Fax: 479.575.3241
connect@walton.uark.edu
https://waltoncollege.uark.edu/
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
College of Business
Established in 1928, the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith is part of the eleven-campus University of Arkansas system. The university is unique in that it offers in-state tuition to students of Arkansas as well as the neighboring states of Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, and others that share a border. The campus sits on 168 acres and has around 7,500 students in attendance. Interestingly, the school was once awarded the “Best Maintained Landscape in the Nation” and is also home to a nationally recognized arboretum.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Administration
The BBA program at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith requires students to complete at least 120 degree hours and students will work closely with an advisor to ensure that the classes taken will lead to a successful degree. Students must maintain a GPA of at least 2.25 for classes to qualify as satisfied for the degree. Occasionally, students may bring in transfer credits if they’ve had an educational experience elsewhere; however, those credits depend upon approval from the faculty. Overall, students must complete 45 upper-division classes in business, which isn’t uncommon with most accredited business degree programs in Arkansas.
Business Administration Minor
Before being eligible for study of Business Administration as a minor, students must already have taken two classes in economics. Overall, the minor requires 18 credits which include classes like Foundations of Business and Organizational Behavior. Getting a minor in business is an appropriate accompaniment to any type of degree since business is such an important and growth-oriented area of the economy. Students may wish to minor in business if they intend to go onto graduate school in business, but want to get an undergraduate degree in another area.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
College of Business
University of Arkansas – Fort Smith
P.O. Box 3649
Fort Smith, AR 72913
Phone: 479.788.7807
Fax: 479.788.7818
colbus@uafs.edu
http://www-cs.stanford.edu/
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
College of Business
As a public research university located in Little Rock, the capital-based University of Arkansas was originally a junior college and eventually became a private school for a short time. It became a public school once again in the late 1960s when it was brought into the University of Arkansas system. The school has over 13,000 students in attendance and takes up a healthy 200 acres with over 40 buildings housing students, classrooms, and administration. Students have a lot of opportunities to learn outside the college while enrolled due to the school’s location in the state’s capital.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The university’s MBA program is designed to accommodate the needs of full-time students or working professionals by providing a variety of schedules to accommodate learning needs. There are fast-track programs for students who wish to enter or return to the work force as soon as possible as well as evening classes designed to make it easy for working professionals to go back to school. Students are encouraged to learn at their own pace and take only as many courses as they think they can handle. The program was recently redeveloped to feature modern approaches to business.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
2801 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: 501.569.3356
Fax: 501.569.8898
cobdean@ualr.edu
http://ualr.edu/cob/
University of Central Arkansas
College of Business Administration
The University of Central Arkansas is a little over 100 years old and was established in Conway as an Arkansas State Normal School. The college has almost 14,000 students and has nationally recognized programs in physical therapy and education. Students who attended the college in its earliest years did so in order to become teachers, but the college’s focus expanded greatly in the years after its initial founding. The college is separated into six different sections and offers students the chance to study for one of 80 different majors.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The program at the University of Central Arkansas is designed to offer students a comprehensive program that showcases important topics within the classroom as well as outside it. There are many opportunities to interact with classmates and faculty to build working relationships during school and the college encourages students to set high goals and to meet those goals during attendance in the program. Candidates for the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution as well as a GPA of at least 2.7 cumulative or 3.0 in the last 60 hours of classroom study. Students may be admitted on a conditional basis as long as they are able to maintain appropriate grades during study.
Accreditations
- Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA)
Contact
College of Business
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, AR 72305
Phone: 501.450.3106
Fax: 501.450.5302
mrubach@uca.edu
http://uca.edu/business/
The state of Arkansas offers students many opportunities to learn everything about business from the basics of a minor in business to the advanced degree of an MBA. The expanding economy and the value of a business degree cannot be denied. Students seeking accredited business degree programs in Arkansas are likely to find several opportunities for educational and future business success.